Las Vegas created sustained pressure in the second half and nearly found the equalizer from the penalty spot, but ultimately fell short on Wednesday night at Cashman Field.
Las Vegas Lights FC fell 1-0 to Phoenix Rising FC on Wednesday night at Cashman Field. Noble Okello found the back of the net for Phoenix in the 24′, giving the visitors an early lead. The Lights worked to respond, creating a few chances before the break but couldn’t convert.
Las Vegas built attacking momentum in the second half by generating chances through Johnny Rodriguez. In stoppage time, Noel earned a penalty after being fouled by John Scearce in the 90+5’, but Patrick Rakovsky made the clutch save to deny the equalizer. Despite the effort and second half surge, the Lights came up just short in front of the home crowd.
What They’re Saying
MIDFIELDER VALENTIN NOEL
On what the team as a whole can work on…
Definitely chemistry. We were struggling in the past few games with understanding each other. I felt that today was good because we found a way to be dangerous and pin Phoenix into a defensive half. There’s improvement, now we got to score goals.
On how to stay consistent in encouraging the team as Captain after a loss…
Trying to never be too low whenever you have hard times, and whenever you’re winning-trying to not be too high. We’re trying to be in the middle stage, which is where consistency is needed and where your mentality is tested. It’s in those tough times that you can see if we’re a big team or not, but I can tell we will bounce back.
HEAD COACH ANTONIO NOCERINO
On what he saw from the team tonight…
[I’m happy with the performance because my team played unbelievable: technically, tactically, and aggressive with the intensity. Phoneix didn’t shoot the ball a lot and maybe they won, but I’m happy with the performance. After the two losses, I asked for personality, courage, and intensity. Tonight, the team played very well.
On his thoughts on Captain Valentin Noel…
Everyone makes mistakes when taking a penalty. If you don’t make mistakes, then you aren’t trying. His shot was a mistake, but it’s important now as an individual and as a group to keep going. Remove the result, but don’t forget about the performance.
Summary
Lights Starting XI:
Arozarena (GK), Nigro, Howell, Gartig, Peeters (Covil, 67′), Boudadi, Leal (Pickering, 81′), Noel (c), Gyau (Pearson, 75′), Pinzon, Rodriguez
Phoenix Rising FC Starting XI:
Rakovsky (GK), Smith, Essengue, Montgomery, Flood, Avayevu, Scearce, Okello, Sacko (Traore, 75′), Cabral (Johnson, 45+5′), Formella (Margaritha, 75′)
Goals:
PHX – Okello – 26′
Discipline:
LV –Yellow, Leal – 23’
PHX – Yellow, Sacko – 24’
LV –Yellow, Covil – 78’
LV –Yellow, Nigro – 81’
PHX – Yellow, Scearce – 90+2’
Next Up
The Lights meet Sacramento Republic FC once again this Saturday, May 31 at 7:00 pm. at Heart Heath Park. Lights fans will be able to watch the game on Fox 5 or ESPN+.
Las Vegas Lights’ next home match will be on Saturday June 14, playing against Monterey Bay FC at 7:30 pm. at Cashman Field. Grab your tickets at lasvegaslightsfc.com/tickets